My essentials: Scott Le Crass’s cultural picks

About

I am a proud working class, queer theatre maker from Birmingham. I like to make work that either connects to my class or queerness and comments upon the world we live in. I trained as an actor at Arts Ed in London, but have been directing for over 10 years.  I am currently in Malta to direct The Maids by Jean Genet at Theatre Next Door.

Book

I mostly read plays because of my work, so books are something that I read far less of. However, I did read The Charles Dickens short story The Signalman as I was directing an adaptation of it. It’s a brilliant read as it’s a ghost story, but it’s also about someone’s mind and the breakdown of it. The language is rich, the images are vivid and the story really draws you in. 

Film

A few months ago, I watched The Perfect Neighbour; it’s so powerful and uniquely made. It’s all filmed via a police bodycam so it has an unsettling quality and is real life, so no one is acting. There is a scene towards the end that will stay with me for a very long time. I don’t want say what it’s about as it gives away too much, but it’s a must watch.

Internet and TV

The internet moves at such a pace that when something appears, it then so quickly becomes old news or content. Mostly, recently, I’ve been watching the performer who sings songs from Mary Poppins in the style of Mariah Carey, which makes me laugh. I also watch Daddy and Duke posts a lot – they are so cute!

Music

I’ve recently started to listen to lots of music from my teens and early 20s, like Skunk Anansie and Portishead. This music is not only very nostalgic, but is also a reminder of their brilliant song writing. With more contemporary music artists I like Robyn, Peggy Gou and Zee Machine with their good lyrics and uplifting sounds that are great to get ready to for a night out and to dance to.

Place

It’s only my second time in Malta, so I am looking forward to exploring it. I’ve already been to Mdina, which is beautiful, and obviously Valletta is so charming.

I really would like to go to Iceland. It’s been on my long list of places to visit for years and next year I hope to go there.